Inspired to Give Back: Ryan M’s Recovery Story

My name is Ryan Mumley. I am 31 years old, an alcoholic, and a grateful Mountainside Alum.

I was born and raised in Manchester, CT, where social drinking during my late teens eventually turned into excessive drinking. This led to impaired judgment and finally a car crash at the end of 2019: my eye-opener. I believe that crash happened for a reason, and my Higher Power sent me to Mountainside. It was there that I found the rest of my life. I’ve never felt better.

One night towards the end of my stay, my roommate and I were brainstorming about ways to give to others what we had received here. Mountainside isn’t just a rehabilitation center, but also a place of acceptance and love. They provided us with our own “tool bag” to tackle a life of sobriety. I wanted to share their message: sobriety is a fun way of life. That is how my new organization, Land Sober, first came into play.

Land Sober is about being comfortable with our sobriety and showing people that in a world where alcohol is constantly promoted, we are not outcasts. That we can still have as much fun, if not more. We can end the stigma and embrace this way of life.

On June 4, 2020, I will celebrate 6 months of sobriety. It has not been without some struggle – going from the only way I ever knew how to live my life to fighting when cravings for a drink come along – but I will continue to fight for this sobriety. None of this would be possible without the entire Mountainside staff, my wife, and my amazing family for fully supporting my decision, and supporting me when I could not support myself. Thank you all!